Evidence for Resistance Training as a Treatment Therapy in Obesity

Over the last decade, investigators have paid increasing attention to the effects of resistance training (RT) on several metabolic syndrome variables. Evidence suggests that skeletal muscle is responsible for up to 40% of individuals' total body weight and may be influential in modifying metabolic risk factors via muscle mass development. Due to the metabolic consequences of reduced muscle mass, it is understood that normal aging and/or decreased physical activity may lead to a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders. The purpose of this review is to (1) evaluate the potential clinical effectiveness and biological mechanisms of RT in the treatment of obesity and (2) provide up-to-date evidence relating to the impact of RT in reducing major cardiovascular disease risk factors (including dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes). A further aim of this paper is to provide clinicians with recommendations for facilitating the use of RT as therapy in obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders

Die Westsahara und ihre BewohnerInnen im spanischen Kolonialdiskurs

Im sogenannten „Zeitalter des Imperialismus“, das sich zwischen den letzten beiden Jahrzehnten des 19. Jahrhunderts und dem Ersten Weltkrieg verorten lässt, fand ein fieberhaftes Wettrennen zwischen den Großmächten Europas um die Beherrschung der außereuropäischen Welt statt. Auch Spanien, das im Laufe der Jahrhunderte sein enormes Kolonialreich beinahe zur Gänze verloren hatte, wollte daran teilhaben und erklärte im Jahr 1884 ein Gebiet an der Atlantikküste Nordwestafrikas zum spanischen Protektorat. In der vorliegenden Arbeit findet eine eingehende Beschäftigung mit der Darstellung der BewohnerInnen dieses Protektorats in der Revista de Geografía Comercial, einer Publikation der Sociedad de Geografía Comercial, statt. Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt dabei auf der Identifikation von Fragmenten eines spanischen Kolonialdiskurses. Zu Beginn werden die Themenfelder Kolonialismus und Imperialismus untersucht und voneinander abgegrenzt. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit wird dabei der Entwicklung des „kolonialistischen Denkens“ gewidmet. Darauf folgt eine Auseinandersetzung mit dem Begriff „Kolonialer Diskurs“ und mit Edward Saids Konzept des Orientalismus. Die wirtschaftliche, politische und gesellschaftliche Situation in Spanien und der Westsahara zu Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts ist das Thema der nächsten beiden Kapitel. Bei der anschließenden Analyse von Artikeln aus der Revista de Geografía Comercial werden rhetorische Strategien und narrative Kunstgriffe aufgedeckt, die auf eine Legitimierung der spanischen Präsenz in der Region abzielen

Gegenüberstellung des Kodierschlüssels für das Leistungsmotiv von Heckhausen, 1963, und des Kodierschlüssels von Winter, 1994

Die aktuelle “Leistungsmotivationsliteratur” ist gekennzeichnet durch unterschiedliche Definitionen und Operationalisierungen in verschiedenen Studien, sodass die Integration der Ergebnisse auf globalerem Niveau sehr schwierig ist (Elliot & Dweck, 2005). Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, durch einen umfassenden Vergleich der beiden derzeit am weitesten verbreiteten Kodierschlüssel für das implizite Leistungsmotiv zur weiteren Entwicklung eines einheitlichen, objektiven, reliablen und validen Messinstruments für die Leistungsmotivationsforschung beizutragen. Dazu wurde das System von Heckhausen (1963) jenem von Winter (1994) gegenüber gestellt, deren inhaltliche und strukturelle Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede analysiert sowie Korrelationen zwischen den Motivmaßen berechnet. Die Daten stammen aus PSE-Geschichten, die im Rahmen einer umfangreichen Studie an 201 Psychologiestudenten erhoben wurden, sowie aus den Übungsgeschichten nach Heckhausen (1963). Die Ergebnisse zu den PSE-Geschichten weisen darauf hin, dass die konvergente Validität beider Kodierschlüssel mit einer Korrelation von r = 0,36 als nicht zufriedenstellend bezeichnet werden kann. Neben einer moderaten Überschneidung fanden sich auch deutliche Unterschiede in Struktur und Inhalt beider Systeme. Des Weiteren zeigten sich zwischen den PSE-Geschichten sowie den Übungsgeschichten aus Heckhausen (1963) quantitative und qualitative Unterschiede, auf die beide Kodierschlüssel in unterschiedlicher Weise reagierten. Die gefundenen Verschiedenheiten sowie die spezifischen Stärken beider Systeme werden als Basis für die weitere Entwicklung eines adäquaten Messinstruments für das implizite Leistungsmotiv diskutiert. Bei der Auswertung der Übungsgeschichten aus Heckhausen (1963) fand sich darüber hinaus eine inhaltliche Überschneidung der Konzepte „Furcht vor Misserfolg“ nach Heckhausen (1963) und „Power“ nach Winter (1994), die sich mit einer Korrelation von r = 0,55 auch bei der statistischen Auswertung zeigte. Dieses und weitere Ergebnisse werden als Schwerpunkte für die zukünftige Forschung diskutiert. Zusammengefasst sind die Resultate der vorliegenden Studie ein weiterer Beleg dafür, dass es in der aktuellen Forschung an einer einheitlichen Definition und Operationalisierung des Konzeptes „Leistungsmotivation“ fehlt.The present „achievement motivation literature“ is characterized by heterogenic definitions and operationalizations, a fact that makes it difficult to integrate the results of different studies on a more global level (Elliot & Dweck, 2005). The aim of the present study was to draw a comprehensive comparison between the two in current research most commonly used coding systems for implicit achievement motive, and to contribute to the development of an integrative, objective, reliable und valid research instrument for measuring achievement motivation. The coding system by Heckhausen (1963) was compared with the system by Winter (1994), they were analyzed in respect of similarities and differences concerning content and structure, furthermore, correlation analyses of motive measures were conducted. Data has been derived during an extensive study, including Picture Story Exercise, at the University of Vienna in which 201 psychology students participated. Additionally, the training materials by Heckhausen (1963) were analyzed. Findings in PSE stories suggest, that convergent validity of both coding systems, reaching a correlation of r = .36, is not satisfying. Beyond a moderate overlap, there has also been found evidence for distinct differences in structure and content of both systems. Above that, analyses of the training materials by Heckhausen (1963) and the PSE stories revealed quantitative and qualitative differences between both samples to which the coding systems responded in different ways. The reported differences between both coding systems and their specific strengths are discussed as groundwork for the future development of an adequate measuring instrument for implicit achievement motive. Furthermore, analysis of the training materials by Heckhausen (1963) revealed a substantial overlap between the measures “Fear of Failure” by Heckhausen (1963) and “Power” by Winter (1994), which reached a correlation of r = .55 in statistic analysis. This and other findings are discussed as possible focus for future research. The results give further evidence to the finding that there is a lack of a broadly articulated, consensually shared definition and operationalization of “achievement motivation” in current achievement motivation research

Impact of Different Training Modalities on Anthropometric and Metabolic Characteristics in Overweight/Obese Subjects:A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Background</p><p>The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to compare the effects of aerobic training (AET), resistance training (RT), and combined aerobic and resistance training (CT) on anthropometric parameters, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese subjects.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Electronic searches for randomized controlled trials were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Trial Register. Inclusion criteria were: Body Mass Index: ≥25 kg/m², 19+ years of age, supervised exercise training, and a minimum intervention period of 8 weeks. Anthropometric outcomes, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were included. Pooled effects were calculated by inverse-variance random effect pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian random effects network meta-analyses.</p><p>Findings</p><p>15 trials enrolling 741 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to RT, AET resulted in a significantly more pronounced reduction of body weight [mean differences (MD): -1.15 kg, p = 0.04], waist circumference [MD: -1.10 cm, p = 0.004], and fat mass [MD: -1.15 kg, p = 0.001] respectively. RT was more effective than AET in improving lean body mass [MD: 1.26 kg, p<0.00001]. When comparing CT with RT, MD in change of body weight [MD: -2.03 kg, p<0.0001], waist circumference [MD: -1.57 cm, p = 0.0002], and fat mass [MD: -1.88 kg, p<0.00001] were all in favor of CT. Results from the network meta-analyses confirmed these findings.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Evidence from both pairwise and network meta-analyses suggests that CT is the most efficacious means to reduce anthropometric outcomes and should be recommended in the prevention and treatment of overweight, and obesity whenever possible.</p></div

Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-I and -11 and IGFBinding Proteins-l, -2, and -3 in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus: Correlation with Metabolic Control and Height Attainment.

The putative effects of diabetes and metabolic control on circulating levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) remain controversial. In the present study, serum levels of IGF-I and IGF-II and IGFBP-1, -2, and -3 were measured in 58 patients (age, 0.8-17 yr) with treated (51 subjects) or untreated (7 subjects) insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and were compared with the levels in normal subjects. In the untreated patients IGF-I and IGF-II were decreased as compared with the healthy controls. In the treated diabetics IGF-I and IGF-II were reduced; IGFBP-2 (only in prepubertal subjects) and IGFBP-3 were increased. Furthermore, age-adjusted values of IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3 were lower in prepubertal than in pubertal patients. Regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between hemoglobin (Hb)A1c and standard deviation scores (SDS) of IGF-I and a positive association between HbA1c and IGFBP-1 SDS or IGFBP-2 SDS. In the treated patients HbA1c was positively related to IGFBP-1 SDS and IGFBP-2 SDS when applying simple regression analysis and to IGFBP-2 SDS when using a multiple regression model. Strong correlations were observed between height SDS and IGF-I SDS, IGF-II SDS, and IGFBP-3 SDS in prepubertal subjects who had had IDDM for at least 2 yr, but not in adolescents. Such correlations have also been found in healthy children and adolescents. In conclusion; 1) IDDM is associated with alterations of the IGF-IGFBP system, which are partially accounted for by differences in metabolic control and pubertal status; 2) the lower plasma concentrations of serum IGF-I may play a role in the pathogenesis of growth impairment of poorly controlled prepubertal, but not pubertal, children and adolescents with IDDM; and 3) in addition, a potential role of the altered IGF-IGFBP system for the development of diabetic late complications is hypothesized

Preparation for Endurance Competitions at Altitude: Physiological, Psychological, Dietary and Coaching Aspects. A Narrative Review

It was the Summer Olympic Games 1968 held in Mexico City (2,300 m) that required scientists and coaches to cope with the expected decline of performance in endurance athletes and to establish optimal preparation programs for competing at altitude. From that period until now many different recommendations for altitude acclimatization in advance of an altitude competition were proposed, ranging from several hours to several weeks. Those recommendations are mostly based on the separate consideration of the physiology of acclimatization, psychological issues, performance changes, logistical or individual aspects, but there is no review considering all these aspects in their entirety. Therefore, the present work primarily focusses on the period of altitude sojourn prior to the competition at altitude based on physiological and psychological aspects complemented by nutritional and sports practical considerations

Going online and maintaining the multi-professional team approach

Background: – The Covid-19 pandemic limited health professionals meeting directly with families, as well as limiting sharing within families – Since then, the multi-professional team of the Family Systems Care Unit has also been meeting with families online, while conducting face-to-face online supervision for health professionals Challenges: – Lack ofbody-to-body interaction (Turkle, 2020) – Feelings of frustration or shame when digital literacy is lacking (Rohr, 2020) – Setting must be prepared: stable internet-connection, end-to-end key-software (Weinberg, H., 2020) – An informed consent clarifies the rights and obligations during the interview and for the recording Opportunities: – The families' experiences can later benefit teaching and research – Range extension, no travel time – Mutual support in dealing with digital skills across generations – Disturbances must be addressed and relation to current dynamics of the group support all members (Rohr, N., 2022) – Family clinicians benefits from their support team – Collective waiting rooms before and at the end of a session offer all participants the opportunity to arrive in time before and allow for farewell afterwards Discussion: – Further research on family care online conversations is necessary, on specific elements of online group sessions, such as building cohesion and therapeutic presence online, and into how the working partnership and cohesion are formed in online groups compared to face-to-face groups Conclusion: – The combination of online family conversation and simultaneous online live supervision enablespositive outcomesforfamilies and the team – Online pre-and post-sessions and the team's background presence support the counsellor and enable high-level family conversations – Online family conversations and team collaboration are effective when pace and communication style are adapted to the online setting (Rohr, N., 2022) – Alleviating suffering is possible by creating a context for change (Wright & Bell, 2021) – Despitegeographical and physical distance familiescan speak about difficult topics with professional suppor

Gender differences in the association between grip strength and mortality in older adults: results from the KORA-age study

Published version. Source at http://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-016-0381-4. License CC BY 4.0.Background: Reduced muscular strength in the old age is strongly related to activity impairment and mortality. However, studies evaluating the gender-specific association between muscularity and mortality among older adults are lacking. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine gender differences in the association between muscular strength and mortality in a prospective population-based cohort study. Methods: Data used in this study derived from the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA)-Age Study. The present analysis includes 1,066 individuals (mean age 76 ± 11 SD years) followed up over 3 years. Handgrip strength was measured using the Jamar Dynamometer. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine adjusted hazard ratios of mortality with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for handgrip strength. Potential confounders (i.e. age, nutritional status, number of prescribed drugs, diseases and level of physical activity) were pre-selected according to evidence-based information. Results: During the follow-up period, 56 men (11%) and 39 women (7%) died. Age-adjusted mortality rates per 1,000 person years (95% CI) were 77 (59–106), 24 (13–41) and 14 (7–30) for men and 57 (39–81), 14 (7–27) and 1 (0–19) for women for the first, second and third sex-specific tertile of muscular strength, respectively. Low handgrip strength was significantly associated with all-cause mortality among older men and women from the general population after controlling for significant confounders. Hazard ratios (95% CI) comparing the first and second tertile to the third tertle were 3.33 (1.53–7.22) and 1.42 (0.61-3.28), respectively. Respective hazard ratios (95% CI) for mortality were higher in women than in men ((5.23 (0.67–40.91) and 2.17 (0.27–17.68) versus 2.36 (0.97–5.75) and 0. 97 (0.36–2.57)). Conclusions: Grip strength is inversely associated with mortality risk in older adults, and this association is independent of age, nutritional status, number of prescribed drugs, number of chronic diseases and level of physical activity. The association between muscular strength and all-cause mortality tended to be stronger in women. It seems to be particularly important for the weakest to enhance their levels of muscular strength in order to reduce the risk of dying early